Father jailed after assaulting son’s mother in Dublin home

A man who assaulted the mother of his son because she would not let him into her house to see the boy has been jailed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Stephen Nangle, (31) of Maple House, North Circular Road, Dublin pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Forestwood Avenue, Ballymun on March 3th0, 2013.

Garda Colm McElligot told the court Sarah Jane McSherry was at home that morning with her two year old son and her mother.

Mr Nangle arrived at the front door at 10.30am and asked to see his son. Ms McSherry refused and Nangle tried to push the door open. Ms McSherry then stepped outside where Nangle pushed her against the wall and kicked her. He followed her into the apartment, banged her against furniture and pulled her hair.

Nangle left when a neighbour intervened and told him gardaí were coming. A garda who arrived noticed that clumps of hair had been pulled from Ms McSherry’s head.

Marie Torrens BL, defending, told Judge Mary Ellen Ring that Nangle disputed McSherry's version of events and said that he acted in self-defence, but that he nevertheless accepted his guilt.

Sentencing Nangle to two years and six months in prison with the last 12 months suspended, Judge Ring said that Nangle, who has previous convictions for theft and criminal damange, had acted in a way that showed he did not have his son’s best interests at heart.

She also praised the neighbour for intervening, saying that many people turn a deaf ear in such situations, and orderd that Nangle stay away from Ms McSharry for three years following his release.